Fareham Borough Council preparing to dish out almost £5,800 in community grants next week
Good causes in Fareham are set to benefit from more than £5,500 in community grants.
Every year, the council sets aside money in a community fund and voluntary sector support fund, that organisations and good causes can apply for grants from. A trio of applications are about to be considered, which could see the council dish out £5,775 total to good causes in the surrounding area.
On Thursday, February 26, the council will consider issuing grants to Act Self Defence, Fareham Park Run and Fareham Men’s Shed.
Act Self Defence is an organisation that teaches self-defence lessons and raises awareness for violence against women and girls. With more than 200 participants each year, the group is asking the council for a £4,320 for minor renovations to their premises in West Street.
This money would fund a matted wall, a mobile wall and separation curtains at their unit, which would improve safety, accessibility, and functionality.
A further £1,009 has been requested by Fareham Park Run, which organises 5km community fitness events every Saturday morning at Cams Easy Access Trail, along Fareham Creek.
That money would go towards radios and a base station for organisers, who are currently relying on mobile phones to communicate with one another - which has been deemed as ‘inadequate’ in terms of safety.
An executive report on Fareham Parkrun’s application reads: “Equipping each of the on-course volunteer marshals with radio equipment capable of coping with the 2.5km distance and ability to communicate instantly will significantly improve the safety of participants.”
Finally, Fareham Men’s Shed has applied for a grant of £446 via the council’s voluntary sector support fund. This will be put towards paying for a review of the organisation’s business plan, as the Men’s Shed looks to expand onto new premises.
Currently, Fareham Men’s Shed operates out of Titchfield Festival Theatre, but with 95 members and “high demand to join”, the group needs to find new facilities that better suit their growing needs.
All three applications have been recommended for approval by council officers.